Sunday August 17, 2008
THE Star journalist Tan Shiow Chin is the recipient of the second IDRC-SciDev.Net Science Journalism Award.
The US$58,500 (RM194,337) award consists of a six-month internship with SciDev.Net (Science and Development Network — a science news website), which will allow Tan to develop her professional skills as a science journalist.
Tan, who is with Star Education, has a Bachelor of Science (Medical Science) from Universiti Putra Malaysia and writes about a wide range of topics, many of which are science- and health-related.
During the internship, she will spend time working both in the network's main office in London and reporting from a number of developing countries.
She will also take part in the Global Ministerial Forum on Research for Health in in Bamako, Mali, in November.
The award is one of four granted this year by IDRC (International Development Research Centre). Applications were invited by SciDev.Net from journalists involved in science and health reporting from developing countries.
"This is a fantastic opportunity and I will make use of it to the fullest,'' said an excited Tan.
"I can't think of a better place than SciDev.Net to gain an insight and valuable skills in science reporting," she added.
Its director David Dickson said that the network was looking forward to having Tan on the team during the period.
"This internship will provide her with the necessary skills to pursue her goals in science journalism and in return, we will benefit from Tan's insights and experience as a journalist in Malaysia."
The 2008 Science Journalism Award attracted 156 applications from 39 developing countries from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
Tan was selected from a group of four finalists. The other shortlisted finalists wereCaroline Roatta (Colombia), Joseph Othieno (Kenya) and Abiose Adelaja (Nigeria).
"We wish to thank all applicants for handing in their submissions. We were delighted with the number and quality of the applications received," Dickson added.
"The level of interest generated by the award highlights the need to build capacity in science communication in the developing world, and the network is committed to helping fulfil that need," he said.
The Canadian-based IDRC works closely with researchers in developing countries to find ways to build a healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous society.
IDRC has created these awards to "foster a vibrant culture of science journalism" and to "promote a field-based understanding of developing countries' scientific realities", said Rita Bowry, an IDRC senior programme officer.
"These awards will enable them to use their professional skills to report the work of scientists in the region more effectively and thus, influence decision makers in their respective countries," she added.
August 22, 2008
A shining beacon
Sunday August 17, 2008
He left Vietnam in search of a better future and ended up as a lieutenant governor in South Australia. ONE of the first Vietnamese refugees to arrive in Australia, Hieu Van Le never imagined that he would, one day, be appointed the lieutenant (deputy) governor of South Australia. All he wanted when he left Vietnam was a better future.
That was in 1977, two years after the fall of Saigon (now known as Ho Chi Minh City) to the communists. Le was then 20 years old.Le believes it is important to learn about other cultures.
"In the aftermath of the war, I realised we didn't have much of a future (in Vietnam) as family members who had been part of the South Vietnamese government were placed in re-education camps while our property was confiscated."We had nothing except the clothes we were wearing," he shares, in an interview in Adelaide.So, Le and his wife Lan, made the decision to leave Vietnam. They arrived at a refugee camp in Pulau Tengah, Malaysia, in 1977, in a wooden fishing boat."We stayed at the camp for a few months. I befriended an ex officer from the South Vietnamese navy who taught me about navigation."Eventually, with permission from the Malaysian Government and the assistance of the Red Crescent Society, we managed to buy a good map," he says.Le and Lan, together with 39 other people, left for Australia in the same boat they had taken from Vietnam. It took them a month to arrive in Darwin, with Le as navigator. They were put in a quarantine complex for a week.
"We were sent to Adelaide where we have lived ever since," says Le.
Le now has two sons; the elder is in his final year of a pharmacy degree while the younger is in Year 12. Le says language was not a problem when he first arrived as English was one of the languages he had been taught in school in Vietnam.
"However, I had an American accent as our teachers were from the United States. It was a matter of adapting (the accent) so others could understand us," he says, adding that his teacher was from Texas."Language is so important when integrating into a new society," he says.
Unfortunately, his qualifications in economics and management from a university in Dalat, Vietnam, were not recognised in Australia.But this did not deter him and he eventually obtained both a bachelors degree in economics and accounting and a masters degree in business administration from Adelaide University.Le is now a senior manager with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and also a member of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants.Le is the first to admit that he has been lucky in life.
"Starting anew in a strange country is not easy but we received a lot of assistance. I was overwhelmed by the kindness shown, and wanted to repay this kindness," he shares.
When they first arrived in Australia, not many people knew the Vietnamese culture. But they did know about the Vietnam war, from television, Le adds.
This instilled in him a desire to promote the Vietnamese culture so that others would know more about it. He soon became committed to promoting multiculturalism in the state. South Australia alone has migrants from 200 countries.
One thing led to another and in 1995, Le became a member of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission.
He even served as its deputy chairman before becoming the first Asian appointed commission chairman in January last year.
"The role of the commission is to advise the government on multicultural or ethnic affairs. We are the eyes and ears for the government on such issues," he explains.
The commission also aims to enhance understanding about ethnic diversity among the South Australian community.
According to Le, new migrants need a good support system. To help them, the commission provides services such as interpreting.
The government also funds the commission to teach migrant children their native language, be it Cambodian or Chinese, so they do not lose their ability to converse in their mother tongue.
"We hope that by doing so, the younger generation will grow up to be multi lingual and multi cultural," he adds.
By KAREN CHAPMAN
He left Vietnam in search of a better future and ended up as a lieutenant governor in South Australia. ONE of the first Vietnamese refugees to arrive in Australia, Hieu Van Le never imagined that he would, one day, be appointed the lieutenant (deputy) governor of South Australia. All he wanted when he left Vietnam was a better future.
That was in 1977, two years after the fall of Saigon (now known as Ho Chi Minh City) to the communists. Le was then 20 years old.Le believes it is important to learn about other cultures.
"In the aftermath of the war, I realised we didn't have much of a future (in Vietnam) as family members who had been part of the South Vietnamese government were placed in re-education camps while our property was confiscated."We had nothing except the clothes we were wearing," he shares, in an interview in Adelaide.So, Le and his wife Lan, made the decision to leave Vietnam. They arrived at a refugee camp in Pulau Tengah, Malaysia, in 1977, in a wooden fishing boat."We stayed at the camp for a few months. I befriended an ex officer from the South Vietnamese navy who taught me about navigation."Eventually, with permission from the Malaysian Government and the assistance of the Red Crescent Society, we managed to buy a good map," he says.Le and Lan, together with 39 other people, left for Australia in the same boat they had taken from Vietnam. It took them a month to arrive in Darwin, with Le as navigator. They were put in a quarantine complex for a week.
"We were sent to Adelaide where we have lived ever since," says Le.
Le now has two sons; the elder is in his final year of a pharmacy degree while the younger is in Year 12. Le says language was not a problem when he first arrived as English was one of the languages he had been taught in school in Vietnam.
"However, I had an American accent as our teachers were from the United States. It was a matter of adapting (the accent) so others could understand us," he says, adding that his teacher was from Texas."Language is so important when integrating into a new society," he says.
Unfortunately, his qualifications in economics and management from a university in Dalat, Vietnam, were not recognised in Australia.But this did not deter him and he eventually obtained both a bachelors degree in economics and accounting and a masters degree in business administration from Adelaide University.Le is now a senior manager with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and also a member of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants.Le is the first to admit that he has been lucky in life.
"Starting anew in a strange country is not easy but we received a lot of assistance. I was overwhelmed by the kindness shown, and wanted to repay this kindness," he shares.
When they first arrived in Australia, not many people knew the Vietnamese culture. But they did know about the Vietnam war, from television, Le adds.
This instilled in him a desire to promote the Vietnamese culture so that others would know more about it. He soon became committed to promoting multiculturalism in the state. South Australia alone has migrants from 200 countries.
One thing led to another and in 1995, Le became a member of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission.
He even served as its deputy chairman before becoming the first Asian appointed commission chairman in January last year.
"The role of the commission is to advise the government on multicultural or ethnic affairs. We are the eyes and ears for the government on such issues," he explains.
The commission also aims to enhance understanding about ethnic diversity among the South Australian community.
According to Le, new migrants need a good support system. To help them, the commission provides services such as interpreting.
The government also funds the commission to teach migrant children their native language, be it Cambodian or Chinese, so they do not lose their ability to converse in their mother tongue.
"We hope that by doing so, the younger generation will grow up to be multi lingual and multi cultural," he adds.
By KAREN CHAPMAN
A passion for design
Sunday August 17, 2008
Strong academic credentials aren't important so long as students are determined to explore their creative side at the Equator Academy of Art.
CREATIVITY and passion are the name of the game at Equator Academy of Art in Penang.
Chuah posing beside one of the many Greek sculptures that greets visitors at the foyer of its Leith Street campus. Established in 1987, the homegrown college is fast becoming what founder and principal Datuk Chuah Kooi Yong envisioned it to be — a landmark learning centre in the northern region for young artists."The thing we insist on here is passion. Many students come here with no proper basics in art, but as long as they are focused and are sure that this is what they want to do, we accept them."All students are interviewed before they register. We ask them to reconsider: 'Are they here because they did not fare well in the exams or because they are undecided about their future,'" he said.Chuah, a renowned artist in water painting who is popularly known as Kooi Yong, said that it was pointless taking in students who had no interest in art."Students with a passion for art take only a few months to catch up although they may be without basic skills, compared to those with absolutely no interest in the subject," he added.
"Those who enrol for the certificate-level course will have to start off with drawing, colour studies, working on basic sculptures, 3D figures and print making.
"After completing these subjects, they choose one of six majors for the last semester," he said.
Most students go on to complete one of five diploma programmes — Architectural Technology, Fashion Design Technology, Fine Arts, Graphic & Multimedia Design or Interior Design.
The 1907 Leong Fee Mansion on Leith Street is one of Equator's two campuses in Penang.
All Equator's programmes, including its certificate course in Art and Design, are accredited by the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA).Chuah's wife and Equator director Datin Pauline Chuah said there was a long waiting line for Equator's students because of their sound basic knowledge in the various aspects of art, design and drawing.
"One of the most important assets a student can have is good drawing skills. A lot of people think everything can be done on computers now, but that isn't the case.
"When one is applying for a job, it's always impressive if the interviewee can come up with an on-the-spot image or design," she said.While many colleges are focused on giving students the widest possible choice of subjects, Chuah said Equator specialised only in art and design and has become synonymous with excellence in these areas.
He added that the college was planning to introduce 3D animation and advertising diploma courses next year.Equator students study in two campuses in Penang — the 1907 Victorian-style Leong Fee Mansion on Leith Street and the modern five-storey Wisma Equator on Amoy Lane.
The Leith Street campus caters to certificate students.
The structure's high ceilings, spiral staircase and two enclosed courtyards provide the perfect environment for young artists to get their creative juices flowing.
After leasing the building from the Christian Brothers six years ago, Chuah ordered several life-sized Greek sculptures made from plaster of Paris that now adorn the pre-war building.
The Amoy Lane Campus, on the other hand, embodies the latest trends in its chic, dark glass-panelled structure."The campus houses the library, the computer labs as well as the photography and architectural studios," Pauline said.Equator, which received the Platinum Award (Top 10) at the Enterprise Awards Malaysia 2007, offers short courses to foreign students and keeps up-to-date with the newest technology as an authorised Autodesk Training Centre."As an Autodesk partner, our students get to use and test the latest technologies before they are in the market," Chuah said.
Equator is a contributor to the Star Education Fund.
TS
Strong academic credentials aren't important so long as students are determined to explore their creative side at the Equator Academy of Art.
CREATIVITY and passion are the name of the game at Equator Academy of Art in Penang.
Chuah posing beside one of the many Greek sculptures that greets visitors at the foyer of its Leith Street campus. Established in 1987, the homegrown college is fast becoming what founder and principal Datuk Chuah Kooi Yong envisioned it to be — a landmark learning centre in the northern region for young artists."The thing we insist on here is passion. Many students come here with no proper basics in art, but as long as they are focused and are sure that this is what they want to do, we accept them."All students are interviewed before they register. We ask them to reconsider: 'Are they here because they did not fare well in the exams or because they are undecided about their future,'" he said.Chuah, a renowned artist in water painting who is popularly known as Kooi Yong, said that it was pointless taking in students who had no interest in art."Students with a passion for art take only a few months to catch up although they may be without basic skills, compared to those with absolutely no interest in the subject," he added.
"Those who enrol for the certificate-level course will have to start off with drawing, colour studies, working on basic sculptures, 3D figures and print making.
"After completing these subjects, they choose one of six majors for the last semester," he said.
Most students go on to complete one of five diploma programmes — Architectural Technology, Fashion Design Technology, Fine Arts, Graphic & Multimedia Design or Interior Design.
The 1907 Leong Fee Mansion on Leith Street is one of Equator's two campuses in Penang.
All Equator's programmes, including its certificate course in Art and Design, are accredited by the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA).Chuah's wife and Equator director Datin Pauline Chuah said there was a long waiting line for Equator's students because of their sound basic knowledge in the various aspects of art, design and drawing.
"One of the most important assets a student can have is good drawing skills. A lot of people think everything can be done on computers now, but that isn't the case.
"When one is applying for a job, it's always impressive if the interviewee can come up with an on-the-spot image or design," she said.While many colleges are focused on giving students the widest possible choice of subjects, Chuah said Equator specialised only in art and design and has become synonymous with excellence in these areas.
He added that the college was planning to introduce 3D animation and advertising diploma courses next year.Equator students study in two campuses in Penang — the 1907 Victorian-style Leong Fee Mansion on Leith Street and the modern five-storey Wisma Equator on Amoy Lane.
The Leith Street campus caters to certificate students.
The structure's high ceilings, spiral staircase and two enclosed courtyards provide the perfect environment for young artists to get their creative juices flowing.
After leasing the building from the Christian Brothers six years ago, Chuah ordered several life-sized Greek sculptures made from plaster of Paris that now adorn the pre-war building.
The Amoy Lane Campus, on the other hand, embodies the latest trends in its chic, dark glass-panelled structure."The campus houses the library, the computer labs as well as the photography and architectural studios," Pauline said.Equator, which received the Platinum Award (Top 10) at the Enterprise Awards Malaysia 2007, offers short courses to foreign students and keeps up-to-date with the newest technology as an authorised Autodesk Training Centre."As an Autodesk partner, our students get to use and test the latest technologies before they are in the market," Chuah said.
Equator is a contributor to the Star Education Fund.
TS
Ungku Aziz to be honoured with inaugural Merdeka Award
Friday August 22, 2008
Royal Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid (pic) will be accorded the inaugural Merdeka Award 2008 for the education and community category.
Chairman of the Merdeka Award Board of Trustees Tan Sri Hassan Marican announced yesterday that Ungku Abdul Aziz was selected the Merdeka Award recipient for that category for his contribution to the eradication of poverty, rural economics and the development of Pilgrims Management and Fund Board (Tabung Haji).
Hassan said the award also recognised his iconic status in the field of education.
Born in Hampstead, London, England on Jan 28, 1922, Ungku Abdul Aziz is a renowned economist, administrator, academician, sportsman and writer.
He is the first Malaysian and longest serving vice-chancellor of Universiti Malaya, the first Malay economist and the sole person to have been accorded the status of royal professor in the country.
The Malaysian Nature Society emerged as the recipient of the Merdeka Award for the environment category for its achievement and relentless efforts in the conservation of the Belum-Temenggor Forest Reserves in Perak, which is over 130 years old.
Established in 1940, MNS is the oldest nature society in the country, which focuses on fighting for environmental conservation, protection, enhancement, public education and awareness.
For the Health, Science and Technology category, the joint winners were the Nipah Encephalitis Investigation Team from the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya and Prof Datuk Dr Khalid Kadir for his breakthrough work in the study and understanding of diabetes.
Datuk Leslie Davidson emerged as the recipient for the outstanding contribution to the people of Malaysia category.Davidson, a British citizen, was selected for his breakthrough in revolutionising the insect pollination of oil palms using weevils, which consequently increase productivity and reduced the cost of production.The recipients of each category will be awarded RM500,000, a trophy and a certificate to be presented later this year.
However, there is no winner for the outstanding scholastic achievement category for this year.
The award was founded by Petronas, ExxonMobil and Shell in conjunction with the 50th Merdeka Day last year.
TS
Royal Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz Ungku Abdul Hamid (pic) will be accorded the inaugural Merdeka Award 2008 for the education and community category.
Chairman of the Merdeka Award Board of Trustees Tan Sri Hassan Marican announced yesterday that Ungku Abdul Aziz was selected the Merdeka Award recipient for that category for his contribution to the eradication of poverty, rural economics and the development of Pilgrims Management and Fund Board (Tabung Haji).
Hassan said the award also recognised his iconic status in the field of education.
Born in Hampstead, London, England on Jan 28, 1922, Ungku Abdul Aziz is a renowned economist, administrator, academician, sportsman and writer.
He is the first Malaysian and longest serving vice-chancellor of Universiti Malaya, the first Malay economist and the sole person to have been accorded the status of royal professor in the country.
The Malaysian Nature Society emerged as the recipient of the Merdeka Award for the environment category for its achievement and relentless efforts in the conservation of the Belum-Temenggor Forest Reserves in Perak, which is over 130 years old.
Established in 1940, MNS is the oldest nature society in the country, which focuses on fighting for environmental conservation, protection, enhancement, public education and awareness.
For the Health, Science and Technology category, the joint winners were the Nipah Encephalitis Investigation Team from the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya and Prof Datuk Dr Khalid Kadir for his breakthrough work in the study and understanding of diabetes.
Datuk Leslie Davidson emerged as the recipient for the outstanding contribution to the people of Malaysia category.Davidson, a British citizen, was selected for his breakthrough in revolutionising the insect pollination of oil palms using weevils, which consequently increase productivity and reduced the cost of production.The recipients of each category will be awarded RM500,000, a trophy and a certificate to be presented later this year.
However, there is no winner for the outstanding scholastic achievement category for this year.
The award was founded by Petronas, ExxonMobil and Shell in conjunction with the 50th Merdeka Day last year.
TS
Asians want bigger say in global matters
Friday August 22, 2008
The West should not be alarmed when Asian nations seek a bigger role in global matters.
The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, said that as Asian economies grew, it was only natural that Asians would want a bigger say in global matters.
Beyond borders: Nazrin speaking to David Tang Yue Tan from Hong Kong who chaired the Economics Youth Workshop. At left is University Malaya Vice-Chancellor Datuk Rafiah Salim.
"History has taught us that the rise of new powers had never been smooth. We have learnt, and hopefully the voices of moderation will prevail," he said.
Raja Nazrin said for the world to remain peaceful and productive, the West must recognise Asia's rise.
However, he said there was no threat of Asia leapfrogging Western nations in the near future as even fast-rising economies like China have "some way to go before it catches up".
"Many are referring to the 21st century as the Asian century. China and India and other tiger economies are pounding on the door of the West asking for recognition.
"Will this turn the US and Europe into has-beens? This fear is overblown," he said.
He said there were already calls for the United Nation's security council to be restructured so that more seats were given to Asia, as well as having more Asians fill top positions in the World Bank.
"The East and the West have always been able to meet when they recognised the strengths of each other. We should acknowledge our differences, and embrace our differences," he said.
Raja Nazrin, who is also Universiti Malaya pro-chancellor and an alumnus of Harvard University, was speaking at the launch of the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations academic conference, which was themed "Beyond Borders: Asia on the World Stage."
He said the theme was timely and relevant, as Asian societies were now more integrated in the global economy as never before.
Using, as an example the overseas Chinese and Indians, who number 40 million and 25 million respectively, Raja Nazrin said there were plenty of Asians living in the West and vice-versa.
More than 200 students from about 30 countries gathered to interact with business, academic and political leaders at the four-day conference hosted by Universiti Malaya.
The Star is the official media for the event.
TS
The West should not be alarmed when Asian nations seek a bigger role in global matters.
The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, said that as Asian economies grew, it was only natural that Asians would want a bigger say in global matters.
Beyond borders: Nazrin speaking to David Tang Yue Tan from Hong Kong who chaired the Economics Youth Workshop. At left is University Malaya Vice-Chancellor Datuk Rafiah Salim.
"History has taught us that the rise of new powers had never been smooth. We have learnt, and hopefully the voices of moderation will prevail," he said.
Raja Nazrin said for the world to remain peaceful and productive, the West must recognise Asia's rise.
However, he said there was no threat of Asia leapfrogging Western nations in the near future as even fast-rising economies like China have "some way to go before it catches up".
"Many are referring to the 21st century as the Asian century. China and India and other tiger economies are pounding on the door of the West asking for recognition.
"Will this turn the US and Europe into has-beens? This fear is overblown," he said.
He said there were already calls for the United Nation's security council to be restructured so that more seats were given to Asia, as well as having more Asians fill top positions in the World Bank.
"The East and the West have always been able to meet when they recognised the strengths of each other. We should acknowledge our differences, and embrace our differences," he said.
Raja Nazrin, who is also Universiti Malaya pro-chancellor and an alumnus of Harvard University, was speaking at the launch of the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations academic conference, which was themed "Beyond Borders: Asia on the World Stage."
He said the theme was timely and relevant, as Asian societies were now more integrated in the global economy as never before.
Using, as an example the overseas Chinese and Indians, who number 40 million and 25 million respectively, Raja Nazrin said there were plenty of Asians living in the West and vice-versa.
More than 200 students from about 30 countries gathered to interact with business, academic and political leaders at the four-day conference hosted by Universiti Malaya.
The Star is the official media for the event.
TS
Parents: Teachers targeting Indian pupils
Friday August 22, 2008
More cases of teachers picking on Indian students here have emerged.
Several parents of children attending a primary school here have lodged police reports since November last year alleging that five teachers in the school had physically and verbally abused Indian students.
R. Sathasnam, 52, said he and another parent had complained to the school's administration repeatedly but the abuses continued.
He alleged that these five teachers regularly hit the students and told them to transfer out of the school, as they (the teachers) were "fed-up of seeing their faces".
"One of the teachers called some Indian students derogatory names ," alleged Sathasnam.
He alleged that many Indian students were slapped, kicked, punched and caned by these teachers for misdemeanours such as talking while lining-up to enter the classroom.
"My 10-year-old son was lifted-up by the ears by a male teacher and slapped and kicked for talking before entering the classroom after recess in February," alleged Sathasnam.
He claimed his son's ears turned blue-black and his cheeks swelled after the beating. When he rushed his son to the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, the doctor there advised him to file a police report.
Another parent R. Viganaspary, 40, said her son was repeatedly hit on the head with a rolled-up newspaper and caned on the legs for not having a particular exercise book.
Meanwhile, Coalition of Malaysian Indian NGOs secretary Gunaraj George, who met Sathasnam and Viganaspary recently, said the coalition would present a memorandum on the matter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi soon.
"These are young impressionable children and the alleged incidents will only teach them to hate," said Gunaraj.
When contacted, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator T. Murugiah said he would speak to the principal next week when school reopens.
Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong said he would comment only after he had seen copies of the police reports.
The alleged incident in the primary school comes on the heels of the transfer of a teacher from a secondary school in Banting. The teacher is facing an inquiry after she admitted to levelling racial slurs against Indian students.
TS
More cases of teachers picking on Indian students here have emerged.
Several parents of children attending a primary school here have lodged police reports since November last year alleging that five teachers in the school had physically and verbally abused Indian students.
R. Sathasnam, 52, said he and another parent had complained to the school's administration repeatedly but the abuses continued.
He alleged that these five teachers regularly hit the students and told them to transfer out of the school, as they (the teachers) were "fed-up of seeing their faces".
"One of the teachers called some Indian students derogatory names ," alleged Sathasnam.
He alleged that many Indian students were slapped, kicked, punched and caned by these teachers for misdemeanours such as talking while lining-up to enter the classroom.
"My 10-year-old son was lifted-up by the ears by a male teacher and slapped and kicked for talking before entering the classroom after recess in February," alleged Sathasnam.
He claimed his son's ears turned blue-black and his cheeks swelled after the beating. When he rushed his son to the Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital, the doctor there advised him to file a police report.
Another parent R. Viganaspary, 40, said her son was repeatedly hit on the head with a rolled-up newspaper and caned on the legs for not having a particular exercise book.
Meanwhile, Coalition of Malaysian Indian NGOs secretary Gunaraj George, who met Sathasnam and Viganaspary recently, said the coalition would present a memorandum on the matter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi soon.
"These are young impressionable children and the alleged incidents will only teach them to hate," said Gunaraj.
When contacted, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator T. Murugiah said he would speak to the principal next week when school reopens.
Deputy Education Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong said he would comment only after he had seen copies of the police reports.
The alleged incident in the primary school comes on the heels of the transfer of a teacher from a secondary school in Banting. The teacher is facing an inquiry after she admitted to levelling racial slurs against Indian students.
TS
August 17, 2008
UTM grads win royal education award
Sunday August 17, 2008
Two university graduates, who were among the first Malaysians to represent the country under the Harvard College Asia Programme, were honoured with the Royal Education Award from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
The UTM graduates Jasrul Jamani Jamian, 23, and S. Ratnakala, 25, received the award from Sultanah Zanariah Tunku Ahmad during the university’s 41st convocation ceremony yesterday.
Award recipients: (From left) Noratiqah, Izwyn, Ling, Ratnakala and Jasrul Jamani linking hands as they display their awards to reporters in Johor Baru yesterday.
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) degree holder Jasrul Jamani said he was honoured to be selected for the award as there were also other graduates who had excelled in academic and co-curricular activities.
“Our participation in the programme is perhaps one of the major contributing factors that led us to winning the award,” said the son of a lorry driver.
He was among a group of nine UTM students who were the first Malaysians to undergo the one-week programme in February last year.
He said he learnt how to prepare and conduct conferences that included participants from other countries such as Singapore, Japan and India.
“I have also learnt how lessons were conducted at Harvard University, which saw greater participation from students,” he said.
He started tutoring at UTM three weeks ago and planned to further his studies there.
His father Jamain Mathan, 50, said he was proud of his son’s success, adding that he would be a role model to his five younger siblings.
Ratnakala, who graduated with a Bachelor in Architecture, said she had received offers of employment from several companies and was still considering what she should do.
The youngest of three siblings said being involved in various activities also helped her grow.
“I also learnt to trust God in many ways after my father passed away in 2000. My father and I were very close.”
The recipients of the Chancellor's Award were Ling Dian Mioa (Bachelor of Engineering – Electrical – Mechatronics) and Izwyn Zulkapri (Bachelor of Science with Education – Sports Science).
The Academic Excellence Award went to Noratiqah Mohd Ariff (Bachelor of Science – Mathematics), who obtained a CGPA of 4.0 for all semesters.
All five award winners were among 6,531 graduates in the five-day convocation who received PhDs, Master's, Bachelor's degrees and diplomas.
TS
Two university graduates, who were among the first Malaysians to represent the country under the Harvard College Asia Programme, were honoured with the Royal Education Award from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
The UTM graduates Jasrul Jamani Jamian, 23, and S. Ratnakala, 25, received the award from Sultanah Zanariah Tunku Ahmad during the university’s 41st convocation ceremony yesterday.
Award recipients: (From left) Noratiqah, Izwyn, Ling, Ratnakala and Jasrul Jamani linking hands as they display their awards to reporters in Johor Baru yesterday.
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) degree holder Jasrul Jamani said he was honoured to be selected for the award as there were also other graduates who had excelled in academic and co-curricular activities.
“Our participation in the programme is perhaps one of the major contributing factors that led us to winning the award,” said the son of a lorry driver.
He was among a group of nine UTM students who were the first Malaysians to undergo the one-week programme in February last year.
He said he learnt how to prepare and conduct conferences that included participants from other countries such as Singapore, Japan and India.
“I have also learnt how lessons were conducted at Harvard University, which saw greater participation from students,” he said.
He started tutoring at UTM three weeks ago and planned to further his studies there.
His father Jamain Mathan, 50, said he was proud of his son’s success, adding that he would be a role model to his five younger siblings.
Ratnakala, who graduated with a Bachelor in Architecture, said she had received offers of employment from several companies and was still considering what she should do.
The youngest of three siblings said being involved in various activities also helped her grow.
“I also learnt to trust God in many ways after my father passed away in 2000. My father and I were very close.”
The recipients of the Chancellor's Award were Ling Dian Mioa (Bachelor of Engineering – Electrical – Mechatronics) and Izwyn Zulkapri (Bachelor of Science with Education – Sports Science).
The Academic Excellence Award went to Noratiqah Mohd Ariff (Bachelor of Science – Mathematics), who obtained a CGPA of 4.0 for all semesters.
All five award winners were among 6,531 graduates in the five-day convocation who received PhDs, Master's, Bachelor's degrees and diplomas.
TS
UTM grads win royal education award
Sunday August 17, 2008
Two university graduates, who were among the first Malaysians to represent the country under the Harvard College Asia Programme, were honoured with the Royal Education Award from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
The UTM graduates Jasrul Jamani Jamian, 23, and S. Ratnakala, 25, received the award from Sultanah Zanariah Tunku Ahmad during the university’s 41st convocation ceremony yesterday.
Award recipients: (From left) Noratiqah, Izwyn, Ling, Ratnakala and Jasrul Jamani linking hands as they display their awards to reporters in Johor Baru yesterday.
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) degree holder Jasrul Jamani said he was honoured to be selected for the award as there were also other graduates who had excelled in academic and co-curricular activities.
“Our participation in the programme is perhaps one of the major contributing factors that led us to winning the award,” said the son of a lorry driver.
He was among a group of nine UTM students who were the first Malaysians to undergo the one-week programme in February last year.
He said he learnt how to prepare and conduct conferences that included participants from other countries such as Singapore, Japan and India.
“I have also learnt how lessons were conducted at Harvard University, which saw greater participation from students,” he said.
He started tutoring at UTM three weeks ago and planned to further his studies there.
His father Jamain Mathan, 50, said he was proud of his son’s success, adding that he would be a role model to his five younger siblings.
Ratnakala, who graduated with a Bachelor in Architecture, said she had received offers of employment from several companies and was still considering what she should do.
The youngest of three siblings said being involved in various activities also helped her grow.
“I also learnt to trust God in many ways after my father passed away in 2000. My father and I were very close.”
The recipients of the Chancellor's Award were Ling Dian Mioa (Bachelor of Engineering – Electrical – Mechatronics) and Izwyn Zulkapri (Bachelor of Science with Education – Sports Science).
The Academic Excellence Award went to Noratiqah Mohd Ariff (Bachelor of Science – Mathematics), who obtained a CGPA of 4.0 for all semesters.
All five award winners were among 6,531 graduates in the five-day convocation who received PhDs, Master's, Bachelor's degrees and diplomas.
TS
Two university graduates, who were among the first Malaysians to represent the country under the Harvard College Asia Programme, were honoured with the Royal Education Award from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
The UTM graduates Jasrul Jamani Jamian, 23, and S. Ratnakala, 25, received the award from Sultanah Zanariah Tunku Ahmad during the university’s 41st convocation ceremony yesterday.
Award recipients: (From left) Noratiqah, Izwyn, Ling, Ratnakala and Jasrul Jamani linking hands as they display their awards to reporters in Johor Baru yesterday.
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) degree holder Jasrul Jamani said he was honoured to be selected for the award as there were also other graduates who had excelled in academic and co-curricular activities.
“Our participation in the programme is perhaps one of the major contributing factors that led us to winning the award,” said the son of a lorry driver.
He was among a group of nine UTM students who were the first Malaysians to undergo the one-week programme in February last year.
He said he learnt how to prepare and conduct conferences that included participants from other countries such as Singapore, Japan and India.
“I have also learnt how lessons were conducted at Harvard University, which saw greater participation from students,” he said.
He started tutoring at UTM three weeks ago and planned to further his studies there.
His father Jamain Mathan, 50, said he was proud of his son’s success, adding that he would be a role model to his five younger siblings.
Ratnakala, who graduated with a Bachelor in Architecture, said she had received offers of employment from several companies and was still considering what she should do.
The youngest of three siblings said being involved in various activities also helped her grow.
“I also learnt to trust God in many ways after my father passed away in 2000. My father and I were very close.”
The recipients of the Chancellor's Award were Ling Dian Mioa (Bachelor of Engineering – Electrical – Mechatronics) and Izwyn Zulkapri (Bachelor of Science with Education – Sports Science).
The Academic Excellence Award went to Noratiqah Mohd Ariff (Bachelor of Science – Mathematics), who obtained a CGPA of 4.0 for all semesters.
All five award winners were among 6,531 graduates in the five-day convocation who received PhDs, Master's, Bachelor's degrees and diplomas.
TS
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